Proteins are the most versatile
chemicals found in life. Proteins are so important because they are involved in everything
that life does. They implement the knowledge contained in DNA. Some of the primary
functions of proteins are listed below.
A special kind of protein called an enzyme regulates chemical
reactions. Chemical reactions that would take years without enzymes proceed in fractions
of a second with enzymes. Enzymes make life possible. Teams of enzymes working together
enable cells to synthesize all sorts of complex chemicals.
Proteins have additional functions as well. Some proteins regulate
genes. Others control which chemicals can pass though the cell membrane, and still others
are responsible for movement (muscles are composed of two proteins, actin and myosin). The
list does not stop here. Some proteins can transport other chemicals. Hemoglobin is the
blood protein that transports oxygen. Proteins also serve as signals. For example, insulin
signals cells to take up sugar from the blood stream. Diabetes results when this process
does not function properly.
Proteins are very versatile molecules, and it is this versatility that
allows proteins to implement the knowledge stored in DNA.
next: Protein Folding
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